Josiah didn’t listen to God’s plan, stubbornly proceeding with his own notion to engage Neco is a fight. That decision was a fatal one. Sad when a life of such great accomplishment and potential comes to an end because of a dumb decision.

Since Josiah reigned 31 years, and the Passover described happened in the 18th year of his reign, this happened 13 years after the passover. The text is silent on this, but perhaps his passion for the Lord had cooled. Maybe he rested on his laurels. Whatever the case, his sensitivity to the Lord’s direction just wasn’t there at this point, and he didn’t finish strong.

I don't have the same track record for being the Lord's agent of change as Josiah did, so I am not in a position to criticize his stubbornness. In fact, his story helps me recognize the same attitude in me when I get my mind or heart fixed on something that may be counter to the Lord's plan.

Lord, please forgive my stubborn heart. Help me to focus on your will, so I don’t make foolish or dumb decisions that cost me and others, and don't advance your Kingdom.

2 Chronicles 35:22